6. Clinical education
The term clinical education refers to the supervised practice of professional skills and it is especially appropriate to courses which are largely clinically based. Professions which offer services in a more social or a non-clinical context have adopted terms such as professional experience and fieldwork to describe supervised practice.
Clinical education is an integral part of the overall learning experience for students in some undergraduate and graduate courses offered in the Faculty of Health Sciences. In undergraduate courses, students can expect to spend between 25 and 40 per cent of their total course hours in clinical education. The purpose of clinical education is to provide students with opportunities to integrate knowledge and skills at progressively higher levels of performance and responsibility during the course.
Under the supervision of qualified practitioners, students seek to apply theories and scientific findings, learned in their academic study, and develop their skills through interaction with clients and practitioners. Clinical education also provides students with situations in which to practise interpersonal skills and develop characteristics essential to productive working relationships. It also provides an opportunity for students to develop clinical reasoning skills and management skills, as well as to master techniques that develop competence at the level of a beginning practitioner.
Clinical education is provided in a variety of settings reflecting the current trends for the profession concerned. The facilities include hospitals, government agencies, schools, community health centres, private health agencies, private practice, and on-campus clinics. The settings may be located in metropolitan and rural areas of New South Wales and, occasionally, interstate. Clinical education provides opportunities for interprofessional learning and may also provide opportunities for international experience.
The timing and structure of clinical education will vary according to preferences of each academic unit. Patterns include day-release programs during the semester, clinical simulation in the classroom, and periodic block placements.
Students should be aware of the patterns of clinical education for their course as the timing and structure of clinical education affect the exact length of courses and vacation time.
Arrangement of clinical education
Clinical education is arranged by negotiation between staff of the respective academic unit, acting as clinical educators, and the staff of the individual clinical settings. The academic unit negotiates the standard, type of experience, and number of student places to be offered. In most cases, formal agreements are signed between the University and the placement facility. In some instances, the arrangements are informal, reflecting the mutual dependency of health and education in providing academically and clinically competent health professionals to meet the challenges confronting them in delivering quality health services in a complex society.
Assessment of students
Students are expected to take an active responsibility for their own education by identifying their own learning needs, assisting the supervisor in planning and implementing the learning experiences, being familiar with and adhering to procedures and rules laid down by the University and the affiliating centre, and in evaluating their own performance. The clinical supervisor performs the role of teacher, facilitator, coordinator and professional role model. Supervision may be conducted by staff of the respective academic unit, or by external practitioners expert in their professional area.
The nature of the assessment varies across academic units but usually includes a student evaluation by both the supervisor and the student, the satisfactory completion of a specified number of hours, as well as a variety of assignments including case studies, essays, verbal presentations, and practical examinations. The clinical education unit may be assessed on a graded scale or on a Pass/Fail basis.
Rules applying to clinical education
In all clinical situations, the welfare of the client is paramount. The client’s dignity and rights to privacy and confidentiality must be respected at all times. Students who do not comply with the rules governing ethical practice may be removed from the clinical placement.
During clinical affiliations, the student is expected to conform with the normal professional conduct required by the host institution. In some institutions, the wearing of uniforms and identification badges is demanded, while in other facilities a less formal attire is acceptable.
Students should consult the section of the handbook relating to clinical education units of study for their particular course for information relating to uniforms and name badges.
There are a number of rules and conditions applying to students regarding the amount of clinical education, the timing of it, the selection of sites, and types of experiences required. These rules have implications for progression in the course and acceptance into the relevant profession after graduation.
Students should consult the relevant handbooks of their courses for such rules and details of the Clinical Education/ Fieldwork/ Professional Experience Program.
Students should note that the faculty has resolved as follows:
'Candidates for any (degree, diploma or certificate) whose conduct or work towards their award is unsatisfactory may, on the recommendation of the head of academic unit concerned, be refused permission by the faculty to undertake or continue the Clinical Educational Fieldwork/Professional Experience component of their award.'
Policy on timing of clinical placements for non-standard students
Definitions
Non-standard students being defined as follows:
(a) Students undertaking deferred assessments – students who did not attend the entire unit of study (UoS) because of extenuating circumstances and final assessment has been deferred because of misadventure or illness;
(b) Students whose assessment is Incomplete – used for units commenced but not completed – e.g. days may need to be made up;
(c) Students who are repeating the unit because they have previously failed – students have completed the unit of study but have not met the requirements to a pass level and have achieved a fail.
Policy (as passed at faculty November 2002)
All students normally undertake clinical education placements according to the schedule published in the academic/clinical calendar of the faculty handbook. All clinical placements are organised and approved by the clinical education team of the relevant academic unit.
- Placements for incomplete and deferred assessments will be organised to be completed at the earliest opportunity and subject to availability.
- Failure in any unit of study (academic or clinical) may affect the student’s progression through the program and potentially delay graduation.
- Enrolment or re-enrolment in clinical education units of study for non-standard students is dependent on meeting all co- and prerequisites as well as avoiding a timetable clash with academic units of study and the scheduled clinical placement.
- Students who have failed a clinical unit may be permitted to re-enrol in the unit at non-standard times, subject to availability of placements and at the discretion of the Clinical Academic and after all students with Deferred Assessments and Incompletes have been placed.
(Also refer to Rules Applying to Clinical Education above.)
Clinical practice dates
Please refer to clinical practice dates listed under each course.
Insurance coverage for students on fieldwork
The University has in place a public liability and professional indemnity policy which extends to protect students from claims made against them which arise out of any negligent act, error or omission on the part of the student during such fieldwork.
Other relevant policies
The University has a personal accident policy covering postgraduate students against accidental bodily injury, providing death and capital benefits, as well as a weekly benefit whilst disabled. Sydney University Sports Union maintains a similar policy for undergraduates.
If you require further information, please contact the Risk Management Office on +61 2 9351 4127.
Clinical Placement Responsibilities
The NSW Department of Health or any other jurisdiction or organisation providing clinical placements have the right to refuse access to any of their sites by any student who does not comply with their relevant Policy Directives or requirements. Failure to comply with these could result in the student not being allocated to a clinical site or could mean the refusal or discontinuation of a placement by the site. This could potentially jeopardise student results in the relevant unit of study for their course and impact on their progression in the course.
Information on infectious diseases for students and clinical teachers
Infectious diseases are of concern to all those working in clinical settings. Whilst an understanding of the transmission of diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and tuberculosis is particularly important, all students and clinical teachers must acquaint themselves with information about the potential dangers of all communicable diseases likely to be experienced in Australia. They should be aware of sources of infectious micro-organisms, their modes of transmission and the ways of reducing the risk of infection to self, patients and others.
From 2003, the NSW Department of Health requires all students undertaking clinical placements that involve direct client contact, to provide written evidence of your immunity status and/or be vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, hepatitis B, influenza and tuberculosis before commencing a placement with NSW Health facilities. A NSW Department of Health Adult Vaccination Record card will be provided to all enrolled students in the Faculty of Health Sciences for this purpose.
Students who will be in direct contact with patients/clients of health care services are advised to seek medical advice and to arrange vaccinations, according to the NSW Health Department, Policy Directive PD2007_006.
Vaccinations and advice are available through the University Health Service at the Camperdown Campus, phone +61 2 9351 3484 or +61 2 9351 4095.
Information on this subject is available during orientation week and at the NSW Department of Health website:
www.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/pd/2007/pd2007_006.html.
Further information about infectious diseases is available, in confidence, from the faculty adviser, Sub Dean (Clinical and Professional Fieldwork).
Counselling support for students on clinical placements
Students who feel that they have any personal or family issues which may impact negatively on their performance on clinical placements should contact either their clinical educator for referral to the counsellor or may approach the counsellor at Cumberland campus directly.
The counselling service at Cumberland is both free and confidential and students are encouraged to ask for help as early as possible before their placements begin. The Counsellor can also provide support for students already on placements who find they are having problems with after hours appointments or by phone. Typical problems for students on clinic include balancing work and family, stress, interpersonal relationships, supervisor – student relations, anxiety about the workplace etc.
The Counsellor is located in A Block. Students wishing to make an appointment with the Counsellor can phone +61 2 9351 9473, or Student Services reception +61 2 9351 9638 or book an appointment directly by writing in a time slot on the grid in the counselling waiting room. Appointments outside normal hours can be made available if booked in advance for students on clinical placements or who are studying part-time.
Criminal records check
All health care workers, including students who undertake clinical professional training or fieldwork in the NSW Health care systems or in other jurisdictions, are required to be subject to a criminal records check as a condition of gaining access to these facilities. Depending on the nature of the offence for which a conviction has been recorded, the NSW Department of Health or other jurisdiction has the right not to accept a health care student or worker for placement in their sites.
All new students in the Faculty of Health Sciences will receive, as part of their enrolment package, information outlining the process for obtaining a National Criminal History Record Check. This check must be renewed every three years. Students must complete this process as soon as possible after receipt. Failure to obtain an appropriate criminal record clearance could mean non-acceptance by the NSW Department of Health or any other jurisdiction or organisation for a placement to undertake clinical experience.
If you do not receive formal written notification of clearance within six weeks of submitting the form for the criminal records check, you are strongly advised to follow this up. Non-acceptance of a student by the NSW Department of Health or any other jurisdiction for clinical placement may affect that student's academic progress. Accordingly, you are urged to contact the faculty adviser, Sub Dean (Clinical and Professional Fieldwork) if you have any concerns or enquiries about this policy.
Fees are applicable when applying for the criminal records check and further information can be found at:
www.police.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/28111/applying_for_a_national_criminal_history_record_check.pdf
Information about the NSW Department of Health's policy can be found at the NSW Department of Health website:
www.health.nsw.gov.au/audit/students/index.html.
The University is not involved in this checking process and it will not be given any information about students on whom an adverse criminal record report is made.
The University, in consultation with the Students Representative Council (SRC), has established protocols to enable students affected by the policy to receive appropriate advice and support and, if necessary, to enable them to transfer their enrolment to another course. These protocols were implemented in 1998.
Federal Police check
Students who undertake their clinical professional training or fieldwork at aged care services subsidised by the Australian Government, are required to undergo a Federal Police Check, which must be renewed every three years. Information about the policy can be found at:
www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/ageing-quality-factsheet-policechecks.htm
Fees are applicable and further information can be found at:
www.afp.gov.au/business/national_police_checks.
NSW Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act
University of Sydney students undertaking 'child-related' placements as part of their course are also subject to the requirements of the NSW Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act and similar Acts in other jurisdictions.
Broadly, the purpose of the Act is to regulate the employment of 'prohibited persons' in 'child-related employment'. Under the Act a 'prohibited person' is a person who has committed a serious sex offence. 'Child-related employment' means employment, paid or unpaid, which involves direct contact with children, where that contact is not directly supervised.
The Act specifically includes persons undertaking practical training as part of an educational or vocational course within its definition of employment.
Prior to undertaking any clinical placement, students must return a signed copy of the Prohibited Employment Declaration to Student Central. Failure to do so may jeopardise any such placement and the fulfilment of course requirements.
New students will be provided with copies of the Declaration at enrolment. Copies may also be obtained by new and re-enrolling students from Student Central.
Further details can be obtained from NSW Commission for Children and Young People – Working with Children Check at: www.kids.nsw.gov.au/director/check.cfm/.
NSW Health Privacy Management Plan
Students undertaking clinical placements must be familiar with the content of this Plan and comply with the NSW Health Records and Information Privacy Act (2002). For further information, see the Department of Health Policy Directive PD2005_554 at:
www.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/pd/2005/PD2005_554.html.
Students will be required to complete a Health Records and Information Privacy Declaration prior to placement and Student Central will provide students with the document at enrolment.
CPR Certificate
Students must provide proof they hold a current CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Certificate prior to attending their clinical and professional fieldwork placement. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that their certificate remains current whilst they are a student at the Faculty of Health Sciences.
New clinical policies
The Faculty is developing new policies relating to the clinical progression of students in their courses as well as an occupational health and safety (OH&S) disclosure policy. These policies are relevant to the clinical and professional fieldwork units within each course.
Further information on clinical education is available on the faculty's Clinical and Professional Fieldwork website at: www.fhs.usyd.edu.au/clinical.